The Vikings (7-1) extended their win streak to six games after a 20-17 comeback win against the Commanders.
Minnesota currently holds the second-best record in the NFL.
Here's a look at where the Vikings rank heading into Week 10:
No. 7 (no change): Dan Hanzus – NFL.com
The Vikings once again found a way on Sunday against the Commanders, improving to 7-1 for the first time since 2009 and perhaps extinguishing any lingering drama about who will be crowned NFC North champions come January. T.J. Hockenson's debut was incredibly encouraging: The ex-Lions tight end, who practiced just three times in Minnesota after last week's trade, hauled in all nine of his targets from Kirk Cousins for 70 yards. Justin Jefferson and Dalvin Cook will continue to be the main drivers of this offense, but Hockenson needed just one afternoon to prove how useful a playmaker at tight end can be in this attack.
View postgame celebration photos from the Vikings 20-17 win over the Washington Commanders at FedExField on Nov. 6.
No. 3 (up 1 spot): NFL Staff – Bleacher Report
Sometimes part of becoming a winning team is learning how to win ugly. How to gut out a victory despite not playing your best.
That's what the Vikings did Sunday in Washington. Despite managing just 2.5 yards per carry on the ground and an uneven effort from Kirk Cousins in his return to the nation's capital, the Vikings made the plays they needed to at the end of the game to eke out a sixth-straight victory that strengthened Minnesota's stranglehold on the NFC North.
While speaking to reporters after the game, Cousins applauded the team for doing what it took to get the win.
"We're finding ways to win," Cousins said. "We grind on and keep trying to pull them out in the end here."
"On some level," [Gary] Davenport said, "having more points than the other guy when the clock hits zero is all that matters. With a huge lead in the division, the Vikings will all but certainly be the NFC North Champions and host at least one playoff game.
"But Sunday's 'meh' effort doesn't help assuage doubts as to whether the Vikings are legitimate Super Bowl contenders. However, we won't have to wait long for an answer to that question. In Week 10, the Vikings head to Buffalo for their second big test of the season."
No. 4 (no change): Vinnie Iyer – Sporting News
The Vikings aren't racking up style points, but they are doing what they are supposed to do with the offense of Kirk Cousins, Justin Jefferson and Dalvin Cook leading the way, supported by timely complementary defense. Kevin O'Connell needs more rookie attention as Coach of the Year love as an ace Sean McVay pupil.
No. 3 (up 1 spot): Pete Prisco – CBS Sports
All they do is keep winning games. It's six straight now. They face a big game this week on the road at Buffalo.
No. 2 (up 3 spots): Mike Florio – Pro Football Talk
It probably won't last, but they've earned it one win at a time.
No. 7 (down 2 spots): Nate Davis – USA TODAY Sports
WR Justin Jefferson's next 100-yard receiving game will give him 20 in his career – and the record for most in a player's first three seasons. Buy QB Kirk Cousins some more ice – new TE T.J. Hockenson ate into Jefferson's target share Sunday – and he's sure to get the ball.
No. 6 (no change): Frank Schwab – Yahoo! Sports
We don't need to have a long debate about the Vikings' legitimacy. Their next four games: at Bills, vs. Cowboys, vs. Patriots, vs. Jets. We'll know a month from now how good they are.
